Money, power, fame, influence, relationships; the modern world has been set up in a way that there is always something new we are chasing.
Everyone is chasing after something they believe will make them happy. Even worse is the exaggeration by social media. When you scroll through your feed on Instagram, Tik-Tok, Snapchat, and Facebook, everyone seems like they have it all and they are living their best lives.
They have perfect bodies, partners, and careers. They live in mansions, they can afford all the designer items that were launched yesterday, they travel the world and to top it off, they are very happy. Sooner or later, this obsession with material things starts to rub off on you. You want it all and you want it now.
The complexities of modern life are hard enough to deal with. All-day long, we have tablets, smartphones, computers, and TVs in front of our faces. This means that for 24 hours, 7 days a week, we get updates on everything that’s going on around us.
So much of our time is spent looking at screens and trying to build virtual friendships instead of nurturing meaningful relationships with the people around us. Our productivity one may argue has been significantly compromised by technology.
Add to that the pressures of having that “perfect” life that is so idolized on social media and you have a ticking time bomb; a recipe for an unhappy, depressed, and miserable life. Sadly, our perception of happiness is linked to material things.
We dream of getting the next big gadget, outfit, bag, car and so on. Our minds will never settle until we acquire this new “fix.” And even when we finally get it, it’s usually not enough. The feelings of happiness we get from acquiring these ‘things’ quickly vanishes like sand sifting through our fingers. It’s like a drug really, it offers a quick fix and when that feeling diminishes, we run off looking for the next new thing that will give us our next high.
This vicious cycle of consumption never brings true happiness. Instead of peace, we are usually left with anger, frustration, and empty pockets.
A simple life means living in the moment, content and grateful for everything you have and not torturing yourself with the desires of “bought happiness” and keeping up with all your idolized influencers or peers.
At the very essence of simplifying your life lies the need to remove most modern-day distractions.
Fortunately, a simple life that brings happiness is not just a thing of our dreams. A simple, happy life is something that you can achieve.
Here are some of the best ways to simplify your life, improve your physical and mental health and live a happier life.